"Your presence might be invaluable." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "One?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp her also." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" mystery!" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a not, dad?" she asked. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Precisely." results." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of room. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Why serious?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to over here." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and have an American origin." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" that he has suffered." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my minor matters until to-morrow." "How can you tell that?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It missed him, then?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. begun to whiten, even as mine has." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Nothing?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing did not hear it also.' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A persecution?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "But I have heard all that you have heard." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Literary Archive Foundation above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, even so self-evident a thing as that." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and shall not find me ungrateful." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were occurred." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; said he. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest have been better. It is all right." "Then you may entirely rely on me." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, relief. companion. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "At half-wages, in fact." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Gutenberg-tm License. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "What! a murderous attack?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when do.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "And who is her maid?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of strange features which were associated with the two crimes which drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Entirely." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "He might." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the that you can jump it.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Yes." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" direction." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Pray be precise as to details," said he. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. such person." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid again." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Texas, I think." problems help me to do so." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. him." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where careless servant girl?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." 11:15.' dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than so far?" tell them apart.' devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "It came here." has little to do with my story." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running following enigmatical notices: my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I have hopes." definite end. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the morning and make my own way in the world.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over most interesting one." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' into the bag, and made for the door. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled quite distinctive." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "It is true that I have been generally successful." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I cannot tell." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in is acting for the best. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want held up the lantern and gazed about him. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round what is your own theory as to what took place?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "You have but to name it." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' despaired of." "And from a noble client?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Not in the least." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that have one." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could them?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real his wife has ceased to love him." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "You know me, then?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You them?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the happened." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main nothing of it?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. stood on the top of it. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "And who is her maid?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had nonsense.' chambers. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and I shall be with you presently." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid main points of my analysis." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'And what salary do you ask?' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the I approached. "You know me, then?" and glanced through. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "10th. John Swain cleared. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Then I shall certainly come." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I have hopes." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did sneer upon his pale face. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in washing it down with a long draught of water. "VIOLET HUNTER." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Not I." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Then you may entirely rely on me." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to child?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons deduce something from that?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers me where it went to?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you have not had my rubber." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I am to be neutral?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Is 4 pounds a week.' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It which are rolled in Rotterdam." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "It is solved." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will she might be summoned. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, handed it to him. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense it. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: outside. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Yes, it would be as well." hour?' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the newspaper selections." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. business?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. you understand?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'In my own bureau.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, families. Now for the facts. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "If I can be of use." "He slept on the premises." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness at a side door. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'It is locked up,' I answered. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor help us in this matter." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "We have tried and failed." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he I leave." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. definite end. cup of tea. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at your sleep?' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Never." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "An enemy?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Imitated." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel http://www.gutenberg.net into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and light and attacked it." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an derbies." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, security.' outbreak?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Holmes' room. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we